SWAG Elite Camp

S.W.A.G’s 1st Annual Elite Camp took place at Yosemite High School in Oakhurst, CA from July 31st through August 2nd.  The athletes also camped at Beasore Meadows near Yosemite National Park. 

Day 1:

Campers checked in at Yosemite High School in Oakhurst, CA.  Following a brief orientation about camp expectations, campers hit the field and were put through a college simulated offseason workout.  The workout was coordinated by Coach Jerron Cannon.  Coach Cannon flew out from Wichita Falls, Texas to assist with the Elite Camp.  Coach Cannon played running back for UC Davis and is currently a teacher, coach, and personal trainer in Texas.  Coach Cannon states, “The kids need to know how to work during the offseason, so they can get an advantage over their opponents.”

Following the workout, campers enjoyed some free time at the Yosemite High School pool.  After the swim and quick dinner, campers made the trek to Beasore Meadows to set up camp.  The campers were responsible for setting up their own tents.  The campers had forty minutes of daylight to set up their tents.  “We wanted to see the kids work under distress, and bond together to get the job done,” stated S.W.A.G Director DeVon Hilliard.  The kids were able to relax and get to know each other for the rest of the night. 

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Day 2:

The campers would hit the field at 7:30.  After warm ups, campers completed station work.  The four stations were a combination of concentration, stamina, and footwork.  Following station work, the campers were introduced to the “Box Drill.”  The Box Drill places two athletes in direct competition with one another within a seven yard by seven yard box.  A ball is thrown into the box, and the athletes must compete for the ball.  “This was a great drill to see which kids wanted the ball.  I was very impressed with Mariposa’s High School running back Kamare Bailey, and San Joaquin Memorial’s running back Stevan Johnson.  Every time I looked up they were going again.  They were competitors,” stated Hilliard. 

After the Box Drill, the kids would get ready to go do community service at Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera CA.  “This was an eye opening experience for the kids to be put in this environment.  Sometimes kids take a lot of things for granted.  I think this grounded our kids,” stated S.W.A.G Vice President Brett Nickelson.  After the visit at Valley Children’s Hospital the kids would be in for a surprised unofficial visit to Fresno State.  This visit was coordinated by Pete Reardon.  Reardon is a football and baseball coach at Minarets High School.  Reardon was also the camp photographer.  “Mr. Reardon is an amazing individual.  If it wasn’t for him, this camp would not have run as smooth.  He is a guy who is only in it for the kids,” stated Hilliard.  The campers would visit the sports medicine department and the weight room at Fresno State.  They received talks from each department and were forwarded the opportunity to ask questions. 

After the visit to Fresno State, the kids were treated to lunch at DiCicco’s in Fresno.  The campers then had a couple of hours to relax before the night’s festivities.  At 6 pm the campers listened to Terrence Wood speak.  Wood is based out of the Bay Area and has created a business titled, “Before You Go Pro.”  The business mentors student athletes.  He would speak to the campers about his life ventures, and how to overcome adversity to accomplish your goals. Every camper received their own copy of his book “Before You Go Pro.”  After Wood finished speaking to the campers, the campers would hit the field for their night session. 

Central Valley Sports Report’s Vince Bailey covered the camp.  Central Valley Sports Report is a phenomenal organization that helps provide exposure for local student athletes.    The campers would start out with a college simulated practice.  After the practice, the lineman challenge began.  This was great time to see the linemen move and compete.  The winner of the lineman challenge was Hunter Stefani, who hails from Buhach Colony High School.  “Hunter is fast and strong.  This kid will have a big season for the Thunder,” stated Hilliard.  The lineman challenge finished, and it was time for the 7 on 7 competition.  This was an awesome opportunity to see QB’s Tyrone Williams of Merced HS, and Damien Paulo of Patterson HS compete against each other.  Both QB’s are big time players in the Central Valley.  Both Williams and Paulo will need to have stellar seasons for their teams to do well.  Williams had targets Mark Russell (Lincoln, Stockton), and Mike Lawson (Patterson) that were very impressive.  Paulo had David Walker (Los Banos), and Stevan Johnson (San Joaquin Memorial) to throw to.  The player that was the talk of the camp was Patterson’s Junior Mike Lawson.  Lawson will be playing DB, RB, and WR for Patterson this year.  Lawson made exceptional plays on both sides of the ball.  Lawson will be teamed up with DB/WR Damarrio Hammonds.  Hammonds received a scholarship offer from Weber St. during the spring.  Williams and the Gold team came out with the victory 18-12.  

Day 3:

The next morning, the campers had to wake up early and breakdown their campsite.  Once the camp was cleaned up, the campers received breakfast.  They would then make it to the field for their last session.  The last session would put must see 1 on 1 match ups.  S.W.A.G.’s staff called out  names and position match ups that they wanted to see.  This was an opportunity for the S.W.A.G coaching staff to evaluate one last time.  Players that looked good were: QB’s Tyrone Williams (Merced), Damien Paulo (Patterson), Frank Cocio (Atwater), Brandon Sanchez (Buhach Colony)  RB’s Justin Stefani (Buhach Colony), Kamare Bailey (Mariposa), Isaiah Montanez (Golden Valley, LB’s Hunter Yates (Lincoln Stockton), Nathayn Wood (North Valley, Reno), Jace Alcazar (Buhach Colony), TE’s Quian Newsom (Buhach Colony), Ryley McConn (Bishop Manogue, Reno), WR’s Mark Russell (Lincoln, Stockton), David Walker (Los Banos), DB’s Damarrio Hammonds (Patterson), Mike Lawson (Patterson), Collin Crown (McQueen, Reno).  At the end of the camp there were three awards that were handed out.  The first award that was given was “Mr. Character.”  This award is for the camper who is coachable and leaves it all on the field.  Ryley McConn (Bishop Manogue, Reno), was given this award.  “This kid will be playing football at the next level and he will succeed.  He will succeed both on the football field and in life,” stated Nickelson.  The next award went to David Walker for his offensive performance.  He would use his size and speed to make plays at his WR position.  The last award was given to the defensive MVP.  This was given to Patterson HS ATH Mike Lawson.  “Mike can be one of the greatest to ever come out of this area.  He has a great deal of athletic talent.  He has started to take the classroom serious,” stated Hilliard.  The camp will be back in 2015 with more elite campers.